The Importance of Mobility in Education and App of the Week

The ability to learn wherever, whenever – mobility – is one of the most important aspects of ensuring that more students throughout the world have access to a quality education. Here at Daily Edventures, we talk a lot about the new era of digital learning, and adapting the classroom to the world of today’s digital native learners. In the words of alum Lou Zulli Jr., “As teachers today, we have to set them free. To create, to experience, to fail. Students want to make a difference, but they can’t if they are sitting in a class of rows learning like it’s the 19th century.” I’m proud to say that Windows 8 is one of the best ways to create an immersive learning environment, regardless of where a student may be – in a classroom, at home, or on their phone. If you’re interested in learning more about how Windows 8 can make your classroom mobile, check out these great videos, tutorials and learning activities on the Partners in Learning Network. While you’re there, join the Partners in Learning Network, and enter to win a trip to Barcelona – the Mobile World Capital – for the 2014 Global Forum.

And speaking of learning whenever – summer vacation in full swing throughout many parts of the world. But that doesn’t mean that students need to stop learning. We have some great games-based apps that can engage students all summer long. Our Windows 8 App of the Week, Learn to Play: Dinosaur Chess, is a fun way to teach students chess, which develops math skills and helps build the all-important 21st century skill of critical thinking.

The company’s founder, Paul Shafi, has been a chess player since childhood, playing at school and club level in and around Dundee, Scotland. The experience of teaching his young son to play the game inspired him to develop Dinosaur Chess. As the name suggests, the game is set in the age of the dinosaurs. It is designed for the absolute beginner, and turns chess into a fun and inspiring activity. Dinosaur Chess was nominated for a BAFTA for best interactive learning. Enjoy!